Airwindows plugins are modular, graphic-less, stripped-down, Audio Unit plugins for the Mac (and some VST plugins, for Mac and PC).
Airwindows' reputation was built out of generic-interface plugins, which typically focus on doing only one thing, often with very simple controls, labelled to help understanding but not to encourage formulaic work. There are two reasons for the generic, non-GUI interfaces. One, because it improves reliability a huge amount (many audio plugin bugs, including showstopper bugs, have to do with the GUI part). Two, because time that could be spent debugging the GUI or tweaking its look—or writing copyprotect code—can be better spent improving the sound. That's how Airwindows rolls, since 2007.
Airwindows is about listening. It's about the sound being far more exciting than looking at the screen, because that's all your audience will have to go by. If you get good feelings, it had better be about what you hear! The plugins naturally lend themselves to MIDI control, assigning sliders to control surfaces. Doing that, you can mix without watching pixels, and listen without being distracted by nonsounds.
Reviewed By nonewwavenofun [all]
June 28th, 2024
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows
It's difficult to review this concisely since Chris from Airwindows has made so much stuff, but you're basically getting 50+ premium-level plugins for free in the form of a single multi-effect (though I would recommend signing up to his Patreon if you want to show support). The non-consolidated plugins were originally GUI-less, but this one looks very clean and is a bit easier on the eyes if you use a DAW like Reaper.
I didn't love every effect, but I think these ones deserve special mention:
Reviewed By Barry Hufker [all]
May 5th, 2020
Version reviewed: 3 on Mac
Chris Johnson's plugins are always effective and unique. Desk is a fine example of his philosophy. The ideas behind the plugins are carefully thought out and are implemented simply but completely. You can tell that from the description he's given here with Desk. Chris does things no one else is doing or does them in a way that is refreshingly different. If you are looking for exciting graphic images of gear for your plugin you won't find it here. Instead you'll find software that uses minimal CPU, sounds good and is reliable.
There is a large range of Airwindows plugins which I have found to be useful in all my work whether I want to keep the sound clean or color it. Desk is another such tool. And Chris is always revisiting/re-working the software searching for improvements and useful features which enhance creativity. If you start here with Desk you will soon add others he has designed to your toolbox.
Read ReviewReviewed By markmann [all]
June 2nd, 2007
Version reviewed: 1.1 on Mac
Reviewed By minx [all]
May 16th, 2007
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Mac
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